Bidvest Noonan

A leading provider of facilities services and solutions

Our Business

Great success for Bidvest Noonan at the IWFM Impact Awards

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Bidvest Noonan celebrated an amazing evening at the IWFM Impact Awards, the most prestigious event in the UK’s FM industry. Held at the luxurious Grosvenor House, the event saw all of the industry’s leading players vie for top honours.

In front of an audience of over 900 people, Bidvest Noonan was recognised for three incredible achievements:

  • We won the Product and Service Development Award for Dynamic Workplace. Huge congratulations to Peter Smyth.
  • We also took home the Frontline Heroes Award for our exceptional work at Kings Cross. A massive well done to Liz Cummins, Raj Pradhan, Ali Hussain, and everyone involved.
  • We were also Highly Commended for Team of the Year for our outstanding team at St. Vincent’s. 

With 95 finalists, this recognition highlights the dedication and impact of our teams.

Many congratulations to our winners!

Bidvest Noonan celebrate multiple key wins at the ICCA Awards 2024

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Bidvest Noonan celebrated great success at the 2024 ICCA Awards, with wins in several key categories.

The highlight of the evening came when our team at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre was crowned Overall Best Cleaned Site in the entire competition, the biggest prize of the event! A huge congratulations to Nick O’Connor, Louise Ryan, and the entire team. Liffey Valley also took home the award for Best Cleaned Retail Premises.

A massive well done to our team at the University of Galway (NUIG), who won Best Cleaned Site in the Education Sector. Congratulations to Lorraine Monaghan, Dzmitry Simanovich, Nerijus Gudaitis, and the whole team.

We also had tremendous individual success, with our colleagues winning several awards in their respective categories:

  • Best Operative (Education) – Alice Rocha Carmonho Border, NUIG
  • Best Supervisor (Education) – Julia Brito, NUIG
  • Best Operative (Manufacturing) – Lenka Slajerova, Alexion
  • Best Supervisor (Manufacturing) – Alex Escalante, Alexion
  • Best Supervisor (Retail) – Edit Szucs, Liffey Valley S/C

A special mention to Edit Szucs, who also took home the Overall Best Supervisor award, winning the top prize in the Supervisor category.

Well done to all our winners!

Bidvest Noonan first to introduce SAO Technology in the Healthcare Sector in Ireland.

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Bidvest Noonan has introduced Stabilised Aqueous Ozone (SAO) technology at St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH), the first time this innovation has been brought to the healthcare sector in Ireland. This marks a major step forward in both cleaning efficiency and sustainability.

SVUH, renowned for its strong focus on infection control and innovation, has adopted SAO technology to further improve its cleaning processes and environmental performance. We worked closely with hospital stakeholders to conduct thorough testing before implementing the system. The results showed outstanding effectiveness in maintaining hygiene standards and controlling infections.

SAO, produced on site from ordinary tap water, acts as a highly effective cleaning agent and disinfectant. It’s been proven to outperform traditional cleaning products and meets Green Seal Standards for industrial-grade cleaning. After use, it naturally breaks down into water and oxygen, making it completely safe to dispose of with no negative impact on waterways.

Additionally, SAO eliminates the need for single-use plastics and requires no rinsing, significantly cutting water consumption. For hospitals like SVUH, which are committed to reducing their environmental footprint, SAO is the ideal solution.

Olivia Doyle, Assistant Director of Nursing for Infection Prevention and Control at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, stated: “St. Vincent’s University Hospital is committed to promoting best practice in terms of sustainability. SAO provides an innovative alternative, reducing the number of chemicals being used. By using this technology, the high levels of cleanliness throughout the organisation are maintained without the use of toxins. The benefits include no odours, no chemical residue, and a simplified cleaning routine. Many of the benefits relate directly to the operatives and how it has simplified their processes.”

In healthcare, effective cleaning is essential for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). The introduction of SAO at SVUH is expected to further strengthen the hospital’s IPC protocols, offering a powerful and environmentally friendly cleaning solution that’s safe for use in sensitive environments.

Susan Howard, Director of Operations in Healthcare at Bidvest Noonan, added: “We are proud to support St. Vincent’s University Hospital in leading the way with this innovative cleaning technology. SAO has proven to deliver excellent results and has helped the hospital achieve its infection control and sustainability objectives.”

Bidvest Noonan Promotes Darren Martin to Director of Operations for Security Division in Ireland

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We are pleased to announce the promotion of Darren Martin to Director of Operations for our Security Division in Ireland. Darren’s significant contributions to our business and the industry, along with his dedication to delivering exceptional service for our customers, have been key factors in the decision to appoint him to this role.

Darren joined Bidvest Noonan in 2019 as a Strategic Account Manager, bringing over 20 years of experience in security, operations, and account management. His expertise has played a crucial role in effectively managing service delivery and driving exceptional performance for our blue-chip corporate and retail accounts. Darren’s proactive approach and problem-solving skills have consistently led to effective contract management and risk reduction for our customers.

Darren has an impressive track record in security and has been honoured with several awards, including the prestigious OSPA’s Outstanding Contract Security Director of the Year Award in 2023.

Reflecting on his promotion, Darren said: “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity at such an exciting time for our business. Our goals for the future are ambitious, and I look forward to helping achieve them.”

Mary Kealy, our Managing Director, commented: “Darren’s promotion to Director of Operations is well-deserved. His expertise and commitment have been key to our success in the security space. I am confident that with his leadership skills and expertise, our security services will continue to excel and provide outstanding results for our clients.”

From Cleaning Operative to GMP Expert: Alexander Escalante shares his journey at Bidvest Noonan

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GMP Expert Alexander Escalante’s story at Bidvest Noonan is a powerful example of growth and professional development. Our marketing team met Alexander at a customer site, a leading pharmaceutical company, where they were warmly greeted by a colleague who showed the confidence of a true master in his field. They were keen to hear his story and discover what he believes are the fundamentals for high performance in GMP environments.

Dedication and Drive: The Pillars of Alexander’s Career

Alexander, or as his closest colleagues like to call him, Alex, began his professional journey in the recruitment sector, specifically staffing for cruise lines. This early role gave him a deep appreciation for the importance of every individual’s contribution to a larger operation. This experience subtly influenced his understanding of the significance of each task, no matter how minor, in achieving broader objectives. This insight would become a foundational aspect of his subsequent career in the Life Sciences sector.

Joining Bidvest Noonan in 2004, Alex brought this profound understanding, coupled with strong ambition and passion, to the role. This saw him seize the opportunities to train and develop in the business and he propelled through the ranks which saw him rise from the role of a cleaning operative to that of a GMP supervisor.

Hailing from the Philippines, Alex now has 20 years’ experience in the facilities industry. His role now extends beyond meeting the stringent standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the Life Sciences sector. He plays a vital role in supporting the safe production of life-saving medications, firmly believing that the work he and his team perform is crucial and far from just routine.

During our conversation with Alex, we asked him to identify five fundamentals he believes are key to high performance in GMP environments.

  1. Ensure Your Team Has the Right Tools

“It might seem obvious, but the foundation of an effective cleaning team lies in providing them with the right tools and resources,” says Alex. He emphasises the necessity of having the latest cleaning equipment, quality materials, and technology. This approach doesn’t just boost efficiency; it ensures the team meets the demanding standards required in pharmaceutical environments. “In this sector, running out of essential supplies can disrupt the creation of a clean and safe environment,” he adds.

  1. Invest in Comprehensive Training and Mentoring

Training is more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about shaping understanding and commitment. Alex advocates for a robust training program that guides team members to understand the ‘why’ behind their tasks. “This method results in a team that’s not just technically skilled but also deeply committed to the significance of their roles,” he notes. “In environments like these, there’s no room for lapses in training, so it’s of the utmost importance.”

Bidvest Noonan has some exciting new plans for our people in the life sciences sector. These plans are set to enhance how we train our colleagues particularly in GMP environments, ensuring even higher standards and expertise.

  1. Create a High-Standards Mindset

Encourage your team to appreciate the impact of their work. Alex suggests, “Help your team understand their crucial role in the broader context of the site you work at. For instance, some of our teams at Bidvest Noonan work with customers who produce life-saving medication.” Realising this often elevates daily tasks to a mission, where there is a collective focus on its success. This creates a strong culture of excellence and meticulous attention to detail.

  1. Strict Adherence to SOPs

“Each Life Sciences site has its specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and adhering to these is paramount,” Alex points out. Following these SOPs rigorously is vital to maintain the integrity of cleaning processes and uphold the necessary standards for safe pharmaceutical production. “We want our customer to rest assured knowing that the service we deliver will never interrupt their operations, only support it”.

  1. Promote Open Communication and Safety

Creating an environment where team members can express concerns and observations freely is essential. “A culture that prioritises safety and proactive problem-solving can significantly improve performance,” Alex explains. Encouraging a setting where every issue, big or small, is addressed can lead to a reduction in lost-time accidents at customer sites.

60-second interview with Helen Emerson, our Health and Safety Incident Prevention Executive and ED&I Ambassador

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In our latest 60-second interview, we had the fantastic opportunity to sit down with Helen Emerson, H&S Incident Prevention Executive & EDI Ambassador. Helen opened up about her day-to-day life and driving passions.

How would you define your role at Bidvest Noonan?


My role is multifaceted, primarily focused on integrating health and safety into everyone’s mindset. I actively engage with people to understand their needs, conduct risk assessments, and devise solutions. As a Health and Safety Incident Prevention Executive, my role involves reducing insurance costs while working closely with people to find the best solutions for them and the business.


What has been your most memorable day at Bidvest Noonan?


One of the most memorable days I had while working at Bidvest Noonan was during the ‘Food for Thought’ event held at the University of Limerick. Although we had organised several ED&I events in 2023, this one was truly unforgettable. It was amazing to see everyone bringing dishes from their own cultures. It was more than an event; it was a celebration of our diversity, a real community moment. That day, we didn’t just share food; we shared stories and a sense of belonging.


What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?


The best piece of advice that I have received was about the importance of listening. Not just to the words spoken but to the unspoken ones, too. This advice has been the key in my personal and professional life. It’s about understanding, empathising, and really connecting with people.


How do you motivate yourself?


I motivate myself by setting personal standards and goals. I love the feeling of a full diary; it shows I’m making a difference. Ticking off tasks on my to-do list gives me a sense of achievement. It’s about setting targets and hitting them, day in and day out.


Who or what has inspired you the most?


What inspires me the most is the people who work with me, my colleagues in EHS like Marina Goncalves and Declan Ryan as well as those in the Risk and Compliance team. Additionally, the everyday learning experiences at Bidvest Noonan fuel my personal and professional growth. These interactions enrich my life and contribute to my development.


If you had a motto, what would it be?


“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” This quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson is my guiding star. It’s all about ambition, diligence, and making the most of every moment.